The meaning of ENCOUNTER is to meet as an adversary or enemy. How to use encounter in a sentence.

ENCOUNTER definition: 1. a meeting, especially one that happens by chance: 2. an occasion when people have sex, usually…. Learn more.

ENCOUNTER definition: to come upon or meet with, especially unexpectedly. See examples of encounter used in a sentence.

1. A meeting, especially one that is unplanned, unexpected, or brief: a chance encounter in the park. 2. A hostile or adversarial confrontation: a tense naval encounter.

Definition of encounter verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

An encounter refers to a meeting or contact between two or more individuals, groups, or entities, often unexpectedly or by chance. It can also refer to a conflict or confrontation, or to an experience one …

n. a meeting with a person or thing, esp. a casual, unexpected, or brief meeting: Our running into each other was merely a chance encounter. a meeting of persons or groups that are in conflict or …

Apr 18, 2026 · Noun encounter (plural encounters) A meeting, especially one that is unplanned or unexpected. Their encounter was a matter of chance.

Sep 2, 2025 · Encounter is a verb meaning to unexpectedly meet or come across someone or something. e.g., On my hike, I encountered a rare bird.

An encounter is often an accidental meeting, resulting in some conflict, but not suffered to grow into a general engagement. Rencounter is the same thing, expressed by a term less common.